The Museum of the Riverina has unveiled a new exhibition, The Lex Factor: From Wagga to the World Stage, celebrating the life and legacy of the late Lex Marinos, one of Wagga Wagga’s most beloved figures.
Marinos, who passed away earlier this year, was deeply proud of his Wagga roots, and the exhibition, which was created in collaboration with him before his death, showcases items from his storied life.
The exhibition includes personal artefacts, photographs, and stories that highlight his diverse career, his advocacy for diversity and equality, and his enduring love for his hometown.
It offers a behind-the-scenes look at Marinos’ multifaceted career and personal journey, from his childhood in Wagga to his rise as a national icon in theatre, film, television, and beyond.
The exhibition’s launch on Friday, December 20, was well attended, with formal proceedings having to move to a bigger space because of numbers. A film was shown to the audience on the day which was filmed the day before Marinos passed away.
On the day, speeches were made by Luke Grealy, General Manager of the Museum of the Riverina; exhibition curator Michelle Maddison; and Wagga Wagga City Council Mayor Dallas Tout. The Marinos family was represented by Lex’s son Van and his wife Anne.
Marinos, a self-proclaimed “renaissance man,” enjoyed a career spanning theatre, film, television, sports, radio, and writing. He was also a passionate advocate for diversity in the arts.
Grealy described the exhibition as not only a tribute to Marinos, but also a heartfelt farewell to a performer who had left an indelible mark on Australian culture.
The exhibition features memories from Marinos’ early years in Wagga, including stories of working at his family’s fish and chip shop on Fitzmaurice Street, where he faced racist abuse during the day but found solace in the Greek music and culture of his family’s home at night.
“He’s always been proud to say he was from Wagga and talk about the benefits of growing up here,” Grealy added.
“Now, with this exhibition, he’s back for one last time.”
The Lex Factor: From Wagga to the World Stage is on display at the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic Council Chambers site from 18 December 2024 to 2 February 2025.
*All photos copyright Effy Alexakis.
Source: Region Riverina.
